A DEVASTATING crash claimed the lives of nine people, mostly mothers, in the early hours of Sunday morning along the N2 near the Mthunzini Toll Plaza, casting a shadow over Mother’s Day in KwaZulu-Natal.

According to the KZN MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, the collision occurred at around 6.47am and involved a tow truck and a Hyundai H-1 minibus transporting members of the Zion Christian Church.

“On this Mother’s Day, early this morning around 06h47, I received a report from our team from the Road Traffic Inspectorate informing me about a horrific accident that claimed the lives of nine people, mostly mothers,” Duma said in a public statement.

The victims were part of a group of 24 congregants travelling to Dukuduku in Mtubatuba.

“According to a preliminary report, this accident, which happened along the N2 north-bound after Mthunzini Toll Plaza, involved a tow truck and a Hyundai H-1, which was transporting 24 members of the Zion Christian Church,” said Duma.

He confirmed that the tow truck struck the rear of the Hyundai H-1, leading to multiple fatalities and serious injuries.

The injured were rushed to the hospital, and the MEC extended his best wishes for their recovery.

“Those who were injured have been taken to hospitals and we wish them a speedy recovery. Equally, we express our deepest condolences to the bereaved families and the church,” he said.

Duma acknowledged the emotional toll of losing a mother, stating: “Losing a mother is a deeply painful experience that marks the radical change of the family’s life and involves a wide range of sad emotions.”

He also announced that his office had mobilised support for the affected families and the church. “I have assembled a dedicated team from my office to liaise with the church and families during this difficult period.”

Furthermore, the MEC directed the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) to co-ordinate with national traffic authorities to ensure a thorough investigation. “I have also mandated the RTI to immediately keep in touch with the Road Traffic Management Corporation to ensure that an investigation is conducted around this horrific accident,” he said.

“We will be updating the people of KwaZulu-Natal as we move forward,” Duma concluded.

#accidents

Mother's Day turns to mourning as nine killed in horror crash

Tribute to constables: SAPS members honoured in Bloemfontein memorial service